More on Photojournalism (the "grab and go")

I wrote a brief introduction to the world of photojournalism a while ago (it can be found here). I'm going to follow it up further with a description of the handiest bag one can have in the profession. It's the bag that you can literally "grab and go". It's fondly known by other names, but I tend to call it a "grab and go".

It essentially is what I call it; a bag that's ready to be taken at the very last moment for an assignment that's been given at very short notice. Let's make a list of what's in this bag:

- Number 1: I lie. It's more than one bag. Make it two or three. Organise it so that you're not carrying two of the same type of bag. A rucksack and a rolling suitcase might just do. The suitcase is most handy for flights, and the rucksack for the unknown or emergencies. In essence with breaking news, a PJ doesn't really know their sleeping plans. The main aim is to cover the event. The rucksack keeps everything compact and on the go without the need to trawl a suitcase for instance.

- Back to the contents of the bag: it should contain some basic clothes for two days, a rudimentary personal kit, a hand/bath towel, a spare pair of shoes and crisis kit.

- The personal kit should include a toothbrush, toothpaste, pack of travel tissues, hand wipes/alcohol gel, deodorant, a bar of soap, comb, hand mirror, a disposable razor and a travel sewing kit. You might decide to add a few common medications in case of illness, such as simple analgesia (paracetamol/acetaminophen), anti-histamines (in case of allergies) or a mild painkiller (ibuprofen). There's always a risk with insects when travelling abroad, so the rolling case usually carries a form of insect repellent.

- The crisis kit is really a mix of essential and excessive elements to the "grab and go". Some simple sugary snack should be included. A pack of sweets or a small jar of honey will do. This can be mixed in with warm water for a shot of energy. Likewise sachets of instant coffee/hot chocolate. Additional food can be stored in tin cans - usually 2 or 3 will do. Bottled water is a must and pack as much without weighing down the bag (~2/3L). A compact first aid kit that's been checked for the contents (often it may get used in the field and isn't replenished as an oversight); travel power adaptors (plus power cable for the phone - a laptop is a luxury in this bag [more often found in the camera bag], but if you can bring one along with a charger, then do), spare AA/AAA batteries which can be used in common appliances; torch, compact wind-up radio, handheld TV, alarm clock, notepad, writing utensils, string/rope, duct/electrical tape, bin bags, penknife (with can opener), raincoat, emergency thermal pack.

- A pack of cigarettes. Awesome item to have for trading.

- Along the way to the airport make sure to have a chance at purchasing a map for your destination. If it's a national event you're heading to, a local map should be somewhere within the "grab and go".

And then there's the camera bag...I'll save that for another time.